| Introductory Remarks for Hon. Dr. Lilia B. de Lima, PEZA Director General, 17 November 2010, Berlin |
| Written by Philippine Embassy Webmaster | |
| Wednesday, 17 November 2010 | |
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REMARKS BY THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, A.I.
to introduce “The Philippines – Your Business Partner in Asia”
Louise-Schroeder-Saal, Rotes Rathaus, Berlin
But before I do that, allow me to just briefly thank the Embassy's co-organizers, sponsors and supporters for this event: the Asia Pacific Forum Berlin, the Asian Social Business Community, the German-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cathay Pacific, and the Philippines' major food product exporter, Mama Sita, as well as the DIHK and the German Asia-Pacific Business Association or OAV.
I want to thank most especially the President of the Asia-Pacific Forum Berlin, Mr. Rolf Eckrodt, for honoring us with his presence tonight to welcome you all to this event.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The visit of Dr. Lilia B. de Lima, or DG de Lima as she is more popularly called back in the Philippines, clearly demonstrates the keen interest and desire of the new Philippine government to further strengthen and deepen its economic ties with Germany.
It has also been realized because of DG de Lima's unrelenting drive and committed efforts to elevate the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to greater heights of achievement and performance.
The Philippines' former President Fidel Ramos created PEZA in 1995 and installed DG de Lima as its first Director General. Former President Joseph Estrada reappointed her in 1998. Her mandate was renewed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo three times: in 2001, then in 2004 and in 2006.
The new President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino simply reaffirmed the faith and confidence of both government and private sector in her vision and sterling capabilities when he in his turn reappointed her last July 2010 to continue PEZA's success story.
And why has DG de Lima been considered by four Philippine Presidents as the right “woman for the job” for the last 15 years? The figures speak for themselves:
1. PEZA has brought in over One Trillion and 327 Billion Pesos of investments into the country, thereby becoming one of the biggest earners among Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations.
2. From 16 economic zones in 1995, PEZA now manages more than 200 zones which play host to almost 2,000 investor companies, including a number of Fortune 500 corporations.
3. Of the country’s total manufacture exports, 86% come from PEZA zones, with total cumulative export value so far of over 320 Billion US dollars.
4. PEZA firms employ and provide crucial livelihood to over 3 million Filipinos.
Numerous awards have in fact been bestowed upon DG de Lima as a tribute to her outstanding performance:
1. “RISING SUN Gold and Silver Star”, by the Government of Japan, the highest such award given to non-Heads of State, for bringing in hundreds of Japanese investors into the country.
2. “JETRO Annual Award”, by the Japan External Trade Organization.
3. “Pearl Award”, by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
4. “First Partner of Industry Award”, by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines, Inc.
Just recently, the prestigious Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) announced her selection for the MAP Management Woman of the Year Award 2010. She has the distinction of being the first woman manager in the country to be given this award.
Like her previous awards, she has been chosen for her leadership of PEZA characterized by “No Corruption, No Red-Tape, Only Red Carpet Treatment” to her stakeholders.
She was also credited for creating the environment that helped bring into the country for the past 15 years hundreds of foreign investors with almost 2 trillion pesos of investments and for contributing substantially to national development in terms of job generation and income opportunities for various sectors of the economy.
Of equal significance, the award cites her contribution to re-shaping national values by upholding institutional integrity, professionalism and excellence and for maintaining firmness, honesty and fairness in her stewardship of PEZA.
To complete this introduction, allow me to give you a brief overview of DG de Lima's past activities and achievements.
DG de Lima's career in the public service commenced almost forty years ago in 1971 when she served as Constitutional Convention delegate representing the second district of her province called Camarines Sur.
She was Director of the Bureau of Domestic Trade and also Executive Director of the Price Stabilization Council of the Department of Trade and Industry from 1981-1987. Her legal career was highlighted by her successful prosecution of a celebrated criminal case in Australia in 1981 which led to conviction.
From 1989-1994, she was Chief Operating Officer of the World Trade Centre Manila and from 1994-1995, Commissioner of the National Amnesty Commission.
She earned an Associate in Arts degree from Centro Escolar University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Manuel L. Quezon University.
Finally, she is a fellow of Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, of Manuel L. Quezon University.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
That was just a brief introduction to the brilliant career of Dr. de Lima and I thank you for your kind attention. -
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